Shape where Dorset goes next
Lead one of the largest planning services in the country and help deliver Dorset Council's ambitions for a fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable Dorset. Build on a strong-performing service to deliver faster decisions, smarter use of technology and a Local Plan that supports sustainable growth across. You'll deliver this in a council with a collaborative political culture, where members value professional advice and work together to deliver for residents.
A more enabling approach to planning
You will shape the future of Dorset's planning service, setting direction, driving delivery, and making planning a stronger engine for economic development, regeneration and modernisation.Our service performs well against government indicators with professional, committed people behind it. You will build on this to improve how we work. This means faster decisions, a clearer focus on the needs of applicants, agents and developers, and better use of technology, including AI.
You will join the Leadership Team of the Economy & Environment directorate, working alongside colleagues across related services.
Key priorities for this role
The Dorset Local Plan
Leading the production and delivery of the Dorset Local Plan and associated development plans, creating a clear long-term vision that supports communities, infrastructure and economic opportunity.Growth and regeneration
Position planning as a genuine engine for growth across Dorset, supporting investment, regeneration and housing delivery. Work alongside economic development colleagues to help deliver the council's priorities, from urban regeneration in Weymouth, clean energy opportunities in Portland and Chickerell, and advanced manufacturing at Dorset Innovation Park, to growth across Dorset's market towns, coastal communities and rural areas.A modern service
Driving service transformation through digital capacity, process redesign and practical application of AI to improve speed, consistency and customer experience.Members and governance
Build trusted relationships with elected members, communities, developers, regional partners and government bodies. Dorset Council is known for its collaborative political culture, where members work across groups, value professional advice and create the conditions for confident, effective decision making.Environment and heritage
Providing leadership across biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality, conservation and sustainable development while protecting Dorset's distinctive character.A culture that questions itself
Building a service unafraid to challenge how things have been done, with clear accountabiity and discipline over significant budgets and resources.A council where politics supports delivery
Since Dorset Council was formed in 2019, members have built a collaborative, respectful and inclusive political culture. Across all political groups there is a shared commitment to constructive debate, professional relationships and delivering for residents.For a Chief Planning Officer, that matters. Members value professional advice and work closely with officers to make informed, evidence-based decisions This gives planning the space to focus on what it does best: shaping places,supporting sustainable growth, protecting Dorset's environment and helping deliver the council's priorities.
It's an environment where people can discuss ideas openly, challenge is welcomed and decisions can be made with confidence. Senior leaders are trusted to use their professional expertise, helping shape Dorset's future and deliver meaningful outcomes for residents.
A place worth getting right
From the Jurassic Coast to rolling countryside and bustling market towns, Dorset is rich in heritage, natural beauty and strong communities. It also has a clear ambition for the future. Our vision is to become a modern, sustainable unitary council, working with communities and building firm foundations for growth.This role sits right at the heart of ambition. You won't be implementing someone else's strategy, you'll be shaping it, backed by the investment and leadership needed to make it real.
We offer a generous relocation package, including up to £8,000 in HMRC-eligible tax-free relocation expenses and an advance of up to £2,500 from your start date to help with buying, selling, renting or mortgage costs during your first 2 years.
Discover more about life in Dorset:
Our Recruitment policy relocation scheme
Visit Dorset
What our people say
"When I see the real impact of what we have to do and the benefit it has to people who live in Dorset, that's what I find the best."
Jack Wiltshire
Corporate Director - Highways & Engineering
"I'm proud to be part of a collaborative team that's always looking for smarter, more innovative ways to work. By taking a place-based approach, we can see the real impact our work has on communities across Dorset."
Jessica Maskrey
Head of Service - Assets & Property
"I think Dorset has a great opportunity to be something bigger and better than it thinks it is. We are far better as a council than people give us credit for."
Matthew Piles
Strategic Director - Weymouth 2040
"There's a strong sense of teamwork, and people genuinely want each other to succeed, which makes it a great environment to learn and grow. What I value most is the opportunity to make a real difference."
Nina Coakley
Head of Transformation & Design
Why Dorset
Our Vision
Dorset Council is driven by a clear vision, working together to create a fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable Dorset for current and future generations. Our Dorset Council Plan 2024 to 2029 outlines how we deliver sustainable inclusive services to our communities.
Our Values
Respect
We value our differences, we treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and understanding.Openness
We welcome new ideas, we are honest, positive and inclusive.Together
We combine our strengths with others to achieve a shared purpose and common goals.Accountability
We take ownership for our work, our actions, and our decisions.Curiosity
We aspire to learn, explore, and adapt to new opportunities and experiences.Why this role, why now
Dorset Council has a clear ambition and strong leadership commitment behind it. This role sits at the heart of that ambition.You won't inherit a service that needs fixing, instead you will build on strong foundations and play a key role in redefining what excellent planning looks like.
Key benefits of this role:
- you will be part of our Senior Leadership Team helping to shape Dorset's future
- you will have the opportunity to influence growth, investment and place outcomes across the county
- you will lead one of local government's most strategically important functions
- you will have the backing to modernise services and drive improvement
- relocation support is available, designed to help you settle and succeed
The recruitment process
We've designed a thorough and inclusive recruitment process to find the right leader for Dorset Council. Here's what to expect:- Monday 6 July - applications open
- Monday 27 July - applications close
- Wednesday 29 July - shortlisting
- week commencing 24 August - interviews
How to apply
Submit your application online, including a supporting statement addressing the essential criteria to be demonstrated at application form in the person specification.If you'd like an informal conversation with the Executive Director for Economy & Environment please contact Karen Gondelle, Executive Assistant by email [email protected] or call 01305 224216.
